Author: space4knews

Chait 25, Rolpa – Millet produced in Lungri Rural Municipality of Rolpa has been shipped to Kathmandu for sale for the first time. The Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperative operating in Lungri Rural Municipality collected millet produced from seven wards within the municipality and sent it out of the district on Tuesday. The cooperative had gathered around 80 quintals of millet. Of this, approximately 10 quintals, equal to 1,000 kg, were sold in the local market, while the remaining 70 quintals, or 7,000 kg, were dispatched to Kathmandu, informed Bhumi Bishw, Chairperson of Lungri Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperative.

“Nepali Mato Company purchased the millet from the cooperative at a rate of 70 Nepali Rupees per kg and transported it to Kathmandu,” said Bishw. “We have exported millet worth NPR 490,000 outside the district for the first time.” The cooperative and Nepali Mato Company had signed an agreement for the purchase and sale of millet in Mangsir 2082 (November-December 2025).

The good price received for this indigenous millet has encouraged local farmers. Yamkumari Bishw, a local farmer, expressed that the guarantee of selling their produce locally has motivated them to increase production. She also noted that the weekly agricultural market held every Tuesday in the municipality makes it easier for farmers to sell their agricultural products.

“Earlier, we were worried about where to take our produce for sale, but now it has become much easier,” she said. Bharat Kumar Thapa, Chairperson of Lungri Rural Municipality, stated that they aim to brand the millet and expand it to international markets. He considers the growing demand for Rolpa millet in Kathmandu as a positive sign, especially at a time when the production of indigenous crops is declining. He also shared the municipality’s vision to create a brand for Lungri’s millet and reach global markets.

In addition to increasing millet production, the municipality plans to run programs focusing on the promotion and production of other indigenous crops, as outlined in their strategic points. Bhupendra Pandey, Chief of the Agriculture Section in Lungri Rural Municipality, informed that millet produced by around 100 farmers has been sent to Kathmandu. He added that the municipality will emphasize providing necessary tools, orientation training, seeds, and technical support to farmers to increase millet production.

According to data from the Agriculture Knowledge Center Rolpa, the district produces about 1,700 metric tons of millet annually. The highest production occurs in the rural municipalities of Sunchahari, Lungri, Gangadev, Paribartan, and Sunilsmriti.

March 8, Kathmandu – Independent Member of Parliament Mahaveer Pun has stated that former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli should admit that mistakes were made during the JNU movement. Responding to questions from journalists on Tuesday at the Federal Parliament building, MP Pun emphasized that although the then Prime Minister Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak did not give orders to fire bullets, as the head of the government, Oli must accept responsibility and apologize without hesitation.

He stressed that subordinates’ mistakes are issues that the leading figure must acknowledge. “Today, they say they did not give the order to shoot. However, they are the leaders. How can someone be comforted by the excuse that they did not know? When you are the leader and a subordinate commits a mistake, you must accept it. You have to say sorry,” Pun said. “Apologizing does not diminish a person’s worth; it elevates it. If you do not take responsibility for mistakes as the accountable person, how can you be considered a leader? This is my personal view.”

The United States and Iran have announced a two-week ceasefire. This agreement was reached shortly before the deadline set by US President Donald Trump, who had warned that “all civilization would be destroyed.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that, in coordination with the Iranian armed forces, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be ensured. Israel, involved in the conflict, has also indicated that it will comply with this ceasefire agreement.

Iran confirmed that it presented a 10-point plan for the ceasefire to the US through Pakistan, which served as a mediator in the negotiations. Following the ceasefire agreement, fuel prices have begun to decline. The price of crude oil, which was trading at $100 per barrel as of Tuesday, has dropped to $94.5 per barrel. Asian stock markets have also reached higher levels following the agreement.

25 Chaitra, Kathmandu – Both houses of the Federal Parliament are convening today. According to the schedule, the House of Representatives will meet at 1 PM this afternoon at Singha Durbar. During the session, Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) is expected to present the ‘7th Annual Report of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission, 2082.’ Additionally, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle will introduce the ‘Alternative Development Finance Mobilization Bill, 2082.’ Prior to the bill presentation, there is a scheduled proposal to seek permission to table the bill. The Speaker will also read a letter received from the President’s Office regarding the reordering of the Council of Ministers.

Similarly, the National Assembly meeting is set for 1:15 PM today. At this session, Prime Minister Balendra Shah will present the ‘Annual Report of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority for Fiscal Year 2081/82’ to the assembly.

The Nepal Cricket Association is preparing to implement a grading system for umpires for the first time in order to improve their performance standards. The technical committee is monitoring umpire performances and providing suggestions for improvements in discussions with the match referees. Kathmandu, 24 Chaitra.

During a Prime Minister Cup one-day cricket match against Madhesh Province, Lumbini captain Dev Khanal faced a one-match suspension after expressing dissatisfaction with an umpire’s decision. In the final ball of the eighth over, Dev was given out caught behind while attempting an uppercut off a ball bowled by Rupesh Singh. Although the umpire’s decision was out, Dev showed displeasure and remained on the field for some time. Following this, the match referee imposed a one-match ban on him.

In the second edition of the Nepal Premier League, Chitwan Rhinos player Rijan Dhakal was penalized after expressing dissatisfaction over an umpire not giving him out on an LBW appeal during the match against Lumbini Lions. This edition of the LPL has faced intense criticism due to numerous questionable umpiring decisions. Last year, during the Jay Trophy, cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane also pointed out the urgent need for significant improvements in umpiring standards in Nepal through social media.

A senior umpire commented, “Players are punished when they make mistakes, but umpires repeatedly make incorrect decisions without any consequences. If the Cricket Association of Nepal does not take disciplinary action against them, how can umpiring standards improve?” Lumbini Province’s head coach Basant Shahi also expressed dissatisfaction with umpiring standards, stating, “Not only our team but all teams are unhappy with the umpiring decisions. The umpiring standard in the Prime Minister Cup has not been satisfactory and needs improvement.”

CAN spokesperson Chumbi Lama stated, “The issue of umpiring was discussed during the board meeting. Based on the technical committee’s report, a grading system for umpires will be implemented. We believe this will help enhance the quality of umpiring.”

Chaitra 24, Syangja – A couple who had been absconding for 29 years after being convicted in a polygamy case has finally been arrested. Umakant Pokharel (also known as Humbahadur Thapa), 52, and Sharadadevi Pokharel, 46, residents of Biruwa Rural Municipality-4, were taken into custody recently. Prashannraj Chaudhary, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and spokesperson for the Syangja District Police Office, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday.

A case against the couple was registered on Vaisakh 19, 2053 BS, accusing them of polygamy. The Syangja District Court found both guilty and sentenced them to two months in prison each. However, they went into hiding before the verdict could be enforced. According to police sources, they evaded punishment by concealing their true identities and living in India. During the investigation, authorities tracked their whereabouts and arrested them, DSP Chaudhary said.

After their arrest, the couple was presented before the court. The court directed their transfer to Syangja District Jail to serve the prison sentence. Police have recently intensified efforts to locate fugitives in order to enforce court orders promptly.

March 24, Mahendranagar – Education, Science and Technology Minister Sasmita Pokharel stated that the legal provision assigning the Prime Minister as the Chancellor and the Education Minister as the Vice-Chancellor of Nepalese universities will be reviewed. Minister Pokharel made these remarks during a visit to Sudurpaschim University in Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, on Tuesday while speaking with journalists.
“It is essential to end the increasing politicization within universities. To achieve this, the current system that designates the Prime Minister as Chancellor and the Education Minister as Vice-Chancellor will be revisited,” she said.
During the visit, she also mentioned that the current government is firmly implementing the previous government’s decision to dissolve student organizations within universities. Minister Pokharel expressed the government’s commitment to supporting academic development and instructed university officials and staff to work in alignment with the government’s pace and the hundred-day action plan.

Since the commencement of hostilities between the United States and Israel against Iran, Turkey has consistently maintained a cautious stance. Turkish officials have refrained from directly blaming either America or Tehran, instead emphasizing the need to remain alert to the risks associated with the conflict. Following the US and Israeli strike on February 28, Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its first statement urging all parties to immediately cease attacks and to seek mediation proposals.

March 8, Biratnagar – The winter and eighth session of the Koshi Provincial Assembly concluded with the passage of three bills. The session was adjourned by Provincial Chief Parsuram Khapung on Monday night, effective from midnight. This decision followed the Provincial Cabinet’s recommendation made earlier on Monday to terminate the session.

The session faced disruptions after the provincial assembly building and secretariat were set on fire during the Janajati Aandolan protests, creating uncertainty. Subsequently, the assembly meetings were relocated to the Virendra Sabha Hall in Biratnagar, where the session was convened from January 8. According to Niroj Dhakal, the Information Officer at the Koshi Provincial Assembly Secretariat, the two-month-long session successfully passed three bills.

The bills enacted include amendments to the “Provincial Research and Training Institute Act, 2069,” legislation regarding “Provincial Legislative Procedures,” and provisions for the “Management of Public Communication in Koshi Province.” Due to the destruction of the assembly building and secretariat during the protests, the session was held in the rented Virendra Sabha Hall, comprising a total of 15 meetings. During the zero hour of the session, 83 members spoke, while 19 members presented remarks under special time.

Summary: Prime Minister Balen Shah plans to reduce the number of ministries from 22 to 17. Alongside this, the government is preparing to cut the number of secretary posts. A Restructuring Management Secretariat will be established to oversee staff management and ensure uninterrupted service through a transition roadmap. 23 Chaitra, Kathmandu.

Shortly after his appointment as Prime Minister, Balen Shah formed a 15-member cabinet about one and a half weeks ago. Currently, there are 22 ministries, but the government plans to assign some ministers responsibility for two ministries whose functions overlap, effectively consolidating ministries. Soon after the government was formed, the cabinet prepared a 100-point action plan that included a target to reduce ministries to 17 under the theme of ‘Administrative Reform, Restructuring, and Economy’.

With the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers holding ministry-like roles, the government is proposing to merge such ministries and assign ministers accordingly. A plan to reduce the number of ministries within a month also includes managing secretary posts. To facilitate this, the government will establish a Restructuring Management Secretariat within the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. This secretariat will have two primary functions: first, to manage staff promotions to avoid any disruption in service; and second, to prepare a transition roadmap to ensure service continuity. As the number of ministries decreases, a significant reduction in secretaries is expected. Currently, besides the Chief Secretary, four secretaries serve in the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office.

Secretarial posts have also been designated in smaller agencies under the Prime Minister’s Office, including Nepal Trust, Public Procurement Monitoring Office, and Vigilance Center. Even these small entities have secretary-level positions. The Ministry of Finance has two secretaries overseeing economic and revenue matters, while the Office of the Auditor General also has a dedicated secretary. The Ministry of Health allocates secretaries according to health and administrative responsibilities. Beyond ministries, multiple commissions, agencies, and constitutional bodies have more than one secretary. Secretarial slots exist in bodies such as the Water and Energy Commission, the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority, the Election Commission, and the Public Service Commission. The offices of the Auditor General, Attorney General, and Federal Parliament Secretariat each have four secretaries. According to an Under-Secretary from the Prime Minister’s office, secretarial posts in executive agencies will be prioritized for review. With upcoming cuts, ministries that are merged will retain only one secretary out of the previous two. Secretarial numbers will definitely decrease in ministries with two or more secretaries. Positions in bodies where secretaries are deemed unnecessary will also be reviewed.

Sudip Dhakal, Policy, Administration and Good Governance Advisor to Prime Minister Balen Shah, confirms that a committee has already been formed to reduce the number of ministries. He said, “The committee has been formed and is likely working. No further information is available at this time.”

Background on Ministry Reduction: On 7 Mangsir 2078 (November 2021), the government amended the Work Division Regulations to establish 22 ministries, all with secretarial posts. After reducing five ministries, at least five secretary positions will be automatically removed. However, sources in the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office indicate no immediate cuts in secretary numbers. According to the source, four secretaries are expected to retire by the end of Ashad (mid-July). The strategy for reducing secretaries relies on not replacing vacant posts. Some under-secretaries awaiting promotion may experience delays, and some will retire at age 58 without becoming secretaries.

Structural Changes to Come: At the federal level there are currently 63 secretarial posts, plus 7 chief secretaries at the provincial level, totaling 70 secretaries. Chief secretaries stationed in provinces are part of the federal civil service. In the health sector, at the 12th level (equivalent to secretary), there are four officers. The number of under-secretaries is approximately 650. The government has yet to finalize the allocation of posts from chief secretary to secretary. According to the 100-point plan, the Restructuring Management Secretariat will determine the remaining organizational framework. In a few months, a regulatory bill will be presented to the federal parliament that will establish various standards and forms for staff management.

Previous Report May Prove Useful: Questions have repeatedly arisen about the federal civil service having surplus staff. Complaints have surfaced alleging selfish interests have influenced the increase in secretary posts. Three years ago, a similar question about secretary numbers led the government to form a review committee. Chaired by then-Secretary Laxman Aryal, the committee recommended reducing the number of secretaries in 2079 (2023) and broadening management for secretaries and under-secretaries in several areas. The report advised reducing secretaries from ministries with two secretaries, such as Industry, Agriculture and Livestock, Health, Education, Science and Technology, and Energy ministries. It recommended limiting secretaries to 50, creating 80 additional secretary-level posts, and capping under-secretaries at 628. The committee suggested cutting secretarial posts in some commissions deemed unnecessary and reallocating them as additional secretaries. They also recommended appointing additional secretaries to constitutional bodies and agencies with more than two under-secretaries. For promotion to secretary, the report stressed prioritizing candidates under 50 years old, with a clean record and good reputation, backed by legal and policy provisions. It also proposed cluster-based staff deployments for the highest-ranking gazetted officers and setting the number of provincial ministries accordingly.

Dr. Prakashchandra Lohani’s resignation from the position of Chairperson of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s Directorate Committee, submitted on Chaitra 8, has been accepted by the party chairman, Rajendra Lingden. Lohani expressed shock at the results of the recent House of Representatives election and emphasized the need to hold the party general convention before continuing in his position. In his resignation letter, he urged the party leadership to immediately clear the path for necessary processes. (Chaitra 24, Kathmandu)

The resignation submitted by Dr. Lohani, Chairperson of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Directorate Committee, has been officially accepted. Party sources confirmed that Rajendra Lingden approved the resignation on Tuesday, twelve days after Lohani tendered it on Chaitra 8.

Following the election outcome of the House of Representatives, Lohani expressed his astonishment and insisted on convening a party general convention through a temporary committee. He clarified that he would only continue in his role after the convention has been held. Additionally, he specified in his resignation letter that the party leadership must immediately proceed with the necessary formalities.

Rajasthan Royals achieved their third consecutive victory in IPL cricket by defeating Mumbai by 27 runs. Due to rain, the match was shortened to 11 overs, with Rajasthan setting a target of 151 runs. Rajasthan climbed to the top of the points table with 6 points from 3 matches, while Mumbai remains in seventh place with 2 points. Kathmandu, 25 Chaitra.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket, Rajasthan Royals secured their third straight win by beating Mumbai by 27 runs in a match that started late on Tuesday night and concluded after midnight. Rain delayed the toss, and the game was reduced to 11 overs per side. Chasing the target of 151 set by Rajasthan, Mumbai managed 123 runs for nine wickets. Naman Dhir and Sherfane Rutherford scored the highest for Mumbai with 25 runs each. Tilak Varma contributed 14 runs, while other batsmen failed to reach double figures.

For Rajasthan, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, and Sandeep Sharma took 2 wickets each, while Jofra Archer and Tushar Deshpande claimed one wicket apiece. After losing the toss, Rajasthan batted first and scored 150 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in the allotted 11 overs. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Surevanshi provided an excellent start. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 79 runs off 32 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes. Vaibhav scored 39 runs off 14 balls before being dismissed. Captain Riyan Parag added 20 runs. For Mumbai, Allah Gaffar took 2 wickets, while Shardul Thakur took one. With this third consecutive win, Rajasthan Royals have collected 6 points from 3 matches, occupying the top position, while Mumbai, with 2 points from 3 matches, sits in seventh place.